Council Receives Funding For Broadford Childcare Facility

The Highland Council received the go-ahead this week when the final piece of funding for a £114,000 childcare facility was secured from the Big Lottery Fund.

The funding comprising, £41,000 Big Lottery Fund; £50,000 Scottish Executive Working for Families Project; and £23,000 Childcare & Family Resource Partnership will be used to develop a childcare facility at Broadford Primary School.

The facility will comprise a large portacabin of about 120 square metres and will contain two main play areas, office, kitchen and toilets. There will also be equipment and toys for children aged 3 to 12 years of age. Once open, up to 25 places will initially be provided for after school care, holidays and in-service days. It is expected that at least three part time posts will be created within the community.

The Working for Families Project is a Scottish Executive funded initiative to help support parents who wish to return to work training, or education. The Project recognises the need in area for childcare and the lack of infrastructure.

The Childcare & Family Resource Partnership supports the development of childcare places in the area and has identified Broadford for strategic development.

The Broadford Childcare Facility has received local support from the Education Service including the Head Teacher at Broadford Primary School, Gordon Wyness and local Highland Councillor, Hamish Fraser.

Cllr Fraser said: "I am delighted that the first of many projects in the pipeline for Broadford is coming to fruition. The facility is a much needed support for parents returning to work and I would like to thank everyone involved in getting to this stage in the project. I would urge anyone thinking of volunteering to support the Broadford Playpark Committee in managing the facility to contact Eileen Burnham as they will be given all the support and advice needed."

The facility is being developed in conjunction with the Broadford Playpark Committee, a local voluntary group who will be responsible for the management of the childcare service.  The committee need more people to expand and strengthen the group and would like to hear from people who feel that they could contribute.

For further information, contact: Eileen Burnham, Highland Council’s Childcare & Family Resource Officer Tel: 01471 833402 or email: eileen.burnham@highland.gov.uk.